Apparatus for making bricks



Patented June 1, 1920.

l0 SHETS-SHEET I.

. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRICKS.

APPLICAHON mln MAR.I,1916.

Patented June 1, 1920.

H) SHkETS-SHEET 2.

f .M/ W/ n H QE H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FDR MAKING BRICKS.

APPLICATION man MAH. 1. 191s. 1,341,798.

H. W` B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FUR MAKlN Bmcxs.

APPUCHN FILL MAR, L 19164 1,341,798. Patented June 1, 1920.

l0 SHES SHEET 3.

H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRIGKS.

APPLICAIION FILED MAR. l 1916.

Patented June 1, 1920.

l0 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

r w v m mum H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BHICKS. APPLlcAlloN FILED MAR.1,19|6.

Patented June 1, 1920.

l0 SHLETS-SHEET 5.

q f 66 Y 65C H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FUR MAKING BRICKS.

APPLICAHON man MAR. l. 19|s,

Patented June 1, 1920.

l0 SHEETSf-SHEET li.

IIIIIIO H. W. Bd GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRICKS.

APPLlcnHoN man MAR.1.1915,

HTHHV mw MMU! r Nul W2C?.

H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING ERICKS- APPLxcAlmN min MAR.|,|916.

H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKiNG BRICKS.

APPLICATION HLED MAR.1.1916.

1,341,798. Patented June 1, 1920.

1o SHEETS-SHEET 9.

Z55 Ja 35a Lia. Eo. 56C

e 25a Z5 /fLl H. W. B. GRAHAM.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRICKS.

APPLCAHON HLED MAR. l. 196- 1,341,798. Patented June 1, 1920.

l0 SHEETSv-SHEET 0- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY W.'B. GRAHAM, OF NEW LONDON, OHIO, ASSIGNOB TO THE ARNOLD-CREAGEB COMPANY, OF NEW LONDON, OHIO, A CORPORATION 0F OHIO.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING BRIGKS.

Speoication of Letters Patent.

Patented June 1, 1920.

Application tiled March 1, 1916. Serial No. 81,425.

To all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that I, HENRY W. B. GaA- HAM, a citizen of the United States, residing at New London, in the county of Huron and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in and Relating to Apparatus for Making Bricks, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for molding bricks.

One object of the invention is to provide improved mechanism; for molding bricks and handling the molds therefor, whereby the output of the machine is greatly increased and the required manual labor and cost of molding are reduced to a minimum.

Another obJect of the invention is to provide apparatus of this character in which mechanisms are combined and correlated therewith to successively deliver molds to and from the filling position, and to invert the molds and separate the bricks and molds from each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for inverting the molds to facilitate separation of the bricks and molds from each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved mechanism for separating the molds from the bricks.

Another "object of the invention is to provide improved means for inverting, separatinor and returning the molds to the position or feeding to t 1e filling station.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of this character having combined and correlated with the filling mechanism, mechanisms for separating the molds from the bricks and sanding' the molds, and mechanism for successively moving the molds in a cycle to each of said mechanisms, all of which are arranged in the same vertical plane.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of this character having combined and correlated in the same vertical plane with the filling mechanism, mechanism for separating the molds from the bricks, mechanism arranged below and rearward of the filling mechanism for sanding the molds, and mechanisms for successively moving the molds in a cycle to each of said mechanisms.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

For the purpose of illustration, I have in the accompanying drawings shown an herein described one form of apparatus embodying my invention.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a brick making or molding apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section of the apparatus on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an elevation, enlarged, of the forward part of the apparatus lookin from the opposite side from that shown in ig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section, enlarged, through the forward part of the apparatus showing the mold filling mechanism, mold push-out, bumping mechanism, mold inverting and separating devices, the conveyers for the bricks and empty molds and the sanding mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Lig. 4.

Pig. 6 is a section on the line 6--6 of Fic. 4.

`ig. 7 is a fravmentar section enlar ed on the line 7-7Dof Fig. g

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary section, enlarged, on the line 8 8 of Fig. 1. 3

Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12 are fragmentary sections similar to Fig. 4, but 11lustrat' ing the operation of the mechanism and devices which sand and move the empty molds from the return conveyer or chute back to the receiver in front of the mold push-out.

Fig. 13 is a detail view, somewhat enlarged, of part of the operating devices for the inverting mechanism.

Fi 14 and 15 are transverse sections on the lines 14-14 and 15-15, respectively, of Fig. 13.

iigs. 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 are detail views, enlarged, of the mechanism for inverting the molds and separating them from the bricks.

Fig. 21 is a detail view of one of the guide rollers for the empty molds.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged side view of the crank and pitman and the release devices or safety connections between the pitman and the plunger, and the operating devices therefor, certain of the parts being broken away or in section to facilitate the illustration.

Fig. ,23 is a front elevation of the pitman and its release devices or safety connections with the lunger, certain of the parts being omitte( an( other partsbeing broken away. l n

Fig. 24 is a front view of the pitman with the operating devices for the pitman release devices or safety connections omitted.

Figs. 25 to 32, inclusive, are detail views of parts of the release devices and the 'operating devices therefor between the pltman and the stud-shaft to which it is pivotally connected.

Fig. 33 is a view partly in section on the line 33-33 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 34 is a section on the line 34-34 of Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the plunger.

Fig. 36 is a section on the line 36-36 of Fig. 37 is a section on the line 37-37 of Fig. 1.

Figs. 38, 39 and 40 are to end and side views, respectively, of one o the rockers of the mold regulating devices.

Fig. 41 is a top p an view o'f a mold, part being broken away.

Fig. 42 is a side View, partly in section, of the mold. D

Fig. 43 is a fragmentary top plan view, enlarged, of the mold. I

Fig. 44 is a perspective view of a scoop ada ted to be run through the sanding mec ianism.

Fig. 45 is a transverse section of the scoop.

In the drawings, 1 indicates as an entirety the frame work for the apparatus. The frame work 1 preferably comprises a pair of longitudinal sills l, 1, an upright transverse member 1, upright plates or equivalent members 1, each of which may rest upon and be bolted to an adjacent sill l, and a supplemental frame 1". By preference, the sills 1, 1a, rest upon the flooring A, in which event the latter may be cut away to form a pit B for a purpose to be later described.

2 indicates as an entirety the driving mechanism for the apparatus. The driving mechanism 2 comprises a shaft 2", to which is s lined the movable member of a clutch 2b.

he shaft 2 is mounted in` bearings, 2, 2, 2C. which may be of any suitable construction. the latter bearing being preferably provided in the frame member 1b. 2 indicates a pulley loosely mounted on the shaft 2". The pulley 2 carriesA the other member (not shown) of the clutch 2b. The pulley is driven by a belt from some suitable source of power; it serves to drive the shaft 2* when the clutch members 2b are connected together. Intermediate its ends. the shaft 2'I carries a pinionY 2d for a purpose to be later described, and at its forward end the shaft 2" carries a bevel pinion 2", which meshes with and drives a bevel gear 2r fixed to a transverse shaft 2F. The shaft 2s is supported at or near itsopposite ends in bearings 2, which are provided in arms 2" of base blocks 3. The blocks 3 are rigidly supported on the sills 1, l, in any suitable manner. At one end. the shaft 2 carries a. spur gear 2" and at its opposite end it carries a bevel gear 2. The purpose of these gears will be later described.

The movable member of the clutch 2" has secured to it a collar 2. 4 indicates a lever one end of which is bifurcated and connected to the collar 2b. Movement of the lever 4 serves to throw the clutch member in and out, in a well known manner. 4 indicates a set of connected links and rods connected at one end to the opposite end of the lever 4, as shown at 4h; the connected links and rods extend to the front end of the apparatus where it is provided with a handle 4c, by means of which the operative is enabled to start and stop the apparatus. The set of operating connections 4 preferably extend along one side of the apparatus within convenient reach of the operative so that hc can throw the clutch in or out from any point where he happens to be.

5 indicates as an entirety a pug mill. The png mill 5 comprises a casing preferably of U-shape in cross section. and a shaft (3 which extends through the casing. The casing 5 is preferably supported at its front end by the frame members 1". The rear end of the casing 5 is secured in any suitable manner to and supported by the frame member 1", which may form the` rear end wall for the casing. The front end of the casing 5 merges into a charging chamber T. The charging chamber 'i' is preferably formed by side plates T and a front plate T" arranged at right angles thereto. The side plates Te1 are preferably secured to thc supplemental frame 1' and mayr assist' in supporting the front end of the casing a. while the front plate T" is, by preference. bolted in any suitable manner to the front edges of the side plates 7.

The supplemental frame 1"' may consist of pairs of upright members 1d. 1d. which may be connected together. as shown in Fig. 7. The members 1 preferably rest on the bottom of the pit B. The charging chainber 7 is provided with a bottom T". which by preference is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane slightly below the bottoni of the casingv. and connected thereto b v a bar 7c".

The pug mill shaft 6 preferably extends entirely through the casing ."i and charging chamber 7 and has bearing at its front end in a bearing box or journal 6' (Fig. 11) mounted. in a recess formed in the front plate 7*. The opposite end of the shaft extends through the frame membei' 1b and has bearing in an upright hanger 8. That portion of the shaft 6 which is within the pug mill 5 and chamber 7 may be square in cross section. 6 indicates a gear carried by the rear end of the shaft 6, outside the casing 5, and in position to mesh with the pinion 2, whereby said gear and shaft are rotated.

The u right hanger 8 is provided with suitable bearings to receive and su port the rear end of the pug mill sha ft 6. T e hanger 8 is preferabljT mounted on the sills 1. It is provided with a plate 8 which forms the back wall of a casing 9. The casing 9 incloses the gear 6 and pinion 2 to protect these parts from dust and dirt. The casing 9 is fixed to the plate 8 and also supported by brackets 9 fixed to the transverse member l".

10 indicates a gland which prevents the esca e of material through the opening in the Frame 1h for the shaft 6.

11 indicates a series of stirring and propelling members that are fixed to the pug mill shaft 6. These members are spaced relative to each other along said shaft and arranged at different positions angularly thereon, for the purpose of effectively stirring material dum ed into the pug mill casing 5 and prope ling it toward and into the charging chamber 7 The stirring, agitating and propelling members 11 may be of any suitable form or construction; and a larger or lesser number may be provided on the shaft 6 as may be found necessary to properly agitate, temper and feed forwardly the material in the pug mill casing 5 according to the amount, kind and condition of the material placed therein.

12 indicates a wiper which is secured to the plug mill shaft 6 at a point rearward of but in close proximity to a press-platen 15 in the charglng chamber 7. The wiper is preferably adjustably connected to the shaft 6, so that it can be positioned angularly thereon for effective coperation wlth the movement of the press-platen to force the clay into the space therebelow at the proper time. Such adjustment may also be found desirable due to the consistency of the material. The preferred form of connections consists (see Fig. 7) of complementary curved hub members 12, 121, the former being formed integrally with the wiper 12 and the latter being adapted to be bolted thereto; complementary bushing members 12b, 12", having angledifaces for engagement with the shaft 6; and interlocking devices 12"' between one of the bushing members and the adjacent complementary curved hub member. The interlocking devices may comprise a lug 12, which may be carried by one of the bushing members, and a recess 12, which receives the lug, formed in the adjacent curved member 12a. I have shown four recesses 12 which permit of adjustment of the wiper to one of four positions. 'The members 12, 12", and 12b, 12", permit of the adjustment of the wiper a quarter turn on the shaft 6, while the interlocking devices 12 permit of intermediate adjustments.

13 indicates a die which is mounted between the front edge of the bottom 7c and the front plate 7", or a removable section p1ate7b, of the charging chamber 7. The section plate 7" is preferabl secured in positlon by a air of bolts 7', t e inner ends of which are attened and secured in any well known manner to the plates 1, The die 13 is preferably of rectangular shape and heavilyconstructed to withstand the strains to which it is subjected. The lower surfaces or edges of the die 13 are preferably flat in order to engage with the upper surface of each mold, indicated at 14, when positioned fol' filling. The front lower Wall of the die 13 operates to scrape the surplus material from the mold top in a manner well known to those skilled in the art to which my invention relates, as the mold is pushed forwardly after being filled.

In the use herein of the term mold I wish to be understood to mean a mold in which one or a plurality of mold sections are provided. In practice, it will be found desirable, for obvious reasons, to provide a plural section mold, such as I have chosen to illustrate in the accompanying drawings -see Figs. 41 a'nd 42. Each mold 14 may be of rectangular shape and comprise a pair of side members 14, and a pair of end members 14b each connected to adjacent ends of the side members 14. 14c indicates a plurality of partitions uniformly spaced from each other and the inner walls of the end members 14b to divide the frame into a plurality of sections 14', each of which forms a brlck mold. 14 indicates a plurality of bottoms, one for each mold section 14. The bottoms 14d are preferably spaced from each other a distance slightly greater than the thickness of each partition so as to provide vents. When the mold sections are being filled, the air therein is forced out through these vents; on the other hand, when the mold 14 is dumped, air has access to the under side of the bricks to prevent a vacuum. The end members 14 for the molds comprise blocks which are preferabl of rectangular shape in cross section. he blocks 14b are of a size to provide relatively wide upper and lower surfaces which serve as shoesronlwhich the mold 14 runs or slides through the apparatusaswillnbe later described. This form of construction is of special advantage in properly supporting and guiding the mold when inverted. The upper surfaces of the blocks 14'J are preferably disposed in the plane of the upper edges of the sides 14; but for reasons about to be set forth, the blocks 14" are of less height than the height of the mold, so that their lower surfaces are disposed in a plane slightly above the lower surfaces of the bottoms 14d.

It is my custom to soak the molds in water in order to cause the sand to stick to the walls of the molds when passing through the sander. 'lhis water soaking operation causes the end members to swell slightly in size. thus increasing their height. Accordingly, when the end members of the mold wel'c made equal in thickness or height to the height of the side members or body portion of the mold and the latter was moved over the table to a position below the die 13` the table and die would engage with the end members. but as these members had, due to their water soaked condition, become thicker than the body of the mold. they would prevent the die from engaging the body portion of the mold between the end members. As a result a space was formed between the body portion of the mold and the lower surface of the die. lhen the mold was again moved forward, the scraping edge of the die failed to scrape off the material disposed above the plane of the upper surface of the mold, and hence, due to this space between the upper edge of tbc mold and the scraping edge of the die, it left on top of the mold a thin layer of material which had to be scraped off by a separate operation.

In my improved construction of mold, the end blocks 14 being of less height than the body portion of the mold, as already described, cannot, even when water soaked, prevent the engagement of the die 13 with the entire upper surface of the mold between the end blocks 14": accordingly, when the mold is positioned for filling and filled and is again moved forward, the die will scrape otf all material above the upper surface of the mold.

14 indicates a metallic binding strip extending along the upper edge of each side member 14n, then around the ends of the side members and over the bottoms 14d. 14' indicates similar strips extending along the upper elges of the partitions 14". llach end of each strip 14 is preferably secured to the adjacent strip 14" by a dove tail joint, as shown in Fig. 13. 14g indicates a bearing plate mounted on the upper surface of each block 14". The strips 14 and 14(t and the plates l-lg may be secured to their respective mold parts in any desired manner.

The press-platen 15 is adapted to force the material through the die 13 into the molds 1-1. The platen 15 extends` substantially across the charging chamber 7, its opposite ends being guided by a pair of angle plates Tf" each fixed in any desired manner to the adjacent side wall 7*.

16 indicates as an entirety the mechanism for reciprocating the press-platen 15. 0f this mechanism, 1G indicates a crank fixed to the front end of the pug mill shaft 6. The crank 16 is pr sferably provided with an integral sleeve 16a', surrounding and fixed to the shaft in any desired manner, as shown in Fig. 22. 16h indicates a pitman connected at its lower end through a wrist pin 17 with the crank 1G" and at its upper end pivotally connected through a block 1S .to a projection or shaft 19 of a reciprocating member or plunger 12) in the mauner hereinafter set forth. The pitman 1G" preferably comprises two' parallel rods 16"', disposed upon opposite sides of the wrist pin 17 and shaft 1S).

'The connecting devices 17 between the pltman 1Gh and the wrist pin 17 are preferably of a character which permit adjustment of these parts to vary the length of stroke imparted to the reciprmating` member 19*l to meet varying conditions. At their lower ends the rods 16"' are reduced to form shoulders 16". The reduced ends of the pitman rods 16" extend through openings formed in a block 17". The block 17l is carried by the outer end of the wrist pin 17, being preferably secured thereto by cap screws 17". 17 indicates an abutment which mav b c adjustably secured to the reduced portions of the rods 16. The block 17l is arranged to strike against the shoulders 1G" in the upward stroke of the crank and against the abutment 17u in the downward stroke of the crank. y adjusting the abutment 17" longitudinally of the rods 16"', the length of stroke imparted to the pitman by the crank 1Ga can tlms be varied as desired. The adjusting devices between the abutment 17c and the rods 16" may comprise nuts 17", which engage screw threads provided on the reduced portions of the rods 16h. Each nut is provided with a spiral 17 arranged to mesh with a spiral gear 17e. The shaft of the gear 17 is provided with a crank 17" by which it may be operated. The reciprocating member 19 is mounted to slide in guides 19" which are provided on the front plate 7". 2() indicates a cross bar or yoke which may be connected to the reciprocatinor member 19'l by an inwardly projecting sha t or rod 20. 20h indicates one or more rods connecting the cross bar 20 with the pressplaten 15. I preferably provide two oonnecting rods 20" between these parts. The rods 20" are relatively large and solid, by preference, so as to take the strains and stresses required in apparatus of this character. 20" indicates one or more pipes extending upwardly from the press-platen 15 and serving as conduits for the ingress and egress of air to and from the charging chamber 7. The lower ends of the pipes 20 preferably extend through the press-platen 15 and form seats for valves 20d. The valves 20d permit air to flow into the charging chamber as the platen rises to preclude the formation of a vacuum therein; on the other hand, when the platen 15 descends thc valves 2()d permit the air to escape from the charging chamber 7 to avoid its compression therein or the formation of air pockets in the bricks and the blowing of sand from the faces of the mold 14. The valves 20d are positioned normally away from their seats, as shown in Figs. 4 and 1l, but when the platen 15 contacts with the material, the latter causes the valves to close. As a result of this operation, the valves 20d are open during the first part of the downward stroke of the platen to let the air escape. The upper ends of the pipes 20c ma extend through suitable openings formedY in the yoke or cross member 20.

The guides 19" preferabl comprise a pair of side members 19" whic 1 may be formed integrally with and extend laterally from the front face of the front plate 7". 19c inform 22 is arranged between the supplemental frame members 1d. The rear end of the base 22 is preferably provided with a pair of arms 22b which are adjustably and pivotally connected at or near their free ends to the frame members 1d by a pluralit of bolts 22. The bolts 22a extend througli openings in the arms 22b and the frame members 1d. The bolts `22a also project through suitable elongated openings formed in the plates 21 and preferably serve to connect the latter to the arms 22". These connecting bolts permit the front end of the base to be raised and lowered or the entire base to be adjusted vertically. The base preferably comprises a plurality of sections as follows: a section 22c arranged below the die 13 to support each mold 14 at y the filling position; a section 22d to support each mold 14 opposite a mold bumping mechanism indicated as an entirety at 24; and a section 22e over which the molds travel to an inverting and separating mechanism indicated as an entirety at 25.

dicates a plate which is detachablyoon-W- Asshownthe receiver 21 is spaced from nected, preferably by b olts 19", to the longitudinal front edges of the side members 19"' and forms therewith guide walls to sldably support the reciprocating member 19, The plates 19 and 7b are formed with slots 19C', 7d'; the shaft 19 extends through the slot 19C', while the shaft 20a extends through the slot 7d. rl`he shaft 19 and stud 20 move from end to end of the slots 19', 7d', respectively, due to the operation of the plunger 19a. From the foregoing description it will be seen that, as the press-platen 15 is operatively connected to and driven by the shaft 6, the wiper will force a charge of material into the space below the pressplaten each' time the latter rises. By proper angular adjustment of the wiper on the shaft 6, relative to the movement of the platen, it can be caused to coperate therewith in an effective manner.

21 indicates a receiver onto which the empty molds are successively delivered or positioned ready to be moved forward to the mold filling station, as will be later set forth. The receiver preferably comprises a pair of plates 21al having inwardly extending flanges 21b on which the end blocks 14b of each mold rest. This construction leaves the space below the central portion of the mold open so that loose sand can drop therefrom and not accumulate on the receiver as would be the case if it extended entirely across the apparatus.

22 indicatesa-basor platform, the rearY portion of which is arranged below the charging chamber 7. The base -is spaced from the die 13 a sufficient distance topermit the brick molds 14 to be moved thereover and between it and the lower edge of the die 13. The rear portion ofthe platthe rear end of the base 22 to provide a passageway or gap 26 throughA which the empty molds 14 are successively passed and delivered to the receiver 21. The passageway 26 is normally closed by a gate preferably comprising two spaced arms 27 fixed to a shaft 27*l which is loosely mounted in lugs 27b extending rearwardly from the base section 22. Each arm 27 carries a foot 27c which engages with the rear wall of the base section 22" and limits the downward movement of the arms 27. The gate arms 27 are arranged to be swung upwardly by a moving mold 14 (see Ein'. 12), whereby the latter may pass througi the passageway 26. 27d indicates a spring which is preferably coiled around the shaft 27a for the arms 27. The spring 27 is connected at one end to the shaft 27 while its opposite end is connected to some suitable part of the base section 22, whereby the spring tends to maintain the arms 27 in normal position.

28 indicates as an entirety auxiliary means for supporting, in coperation with the devices 22, the base or platform 22. The auxiliary sup orting means 28 are preferably arranged) directly below the die 13 in order to take the thrusts due to the operation of the press-platen 15 in forcing the material into the molds 14. The auxiliary supporting means 28 preferably comprise a U-shaped cross member or beam 28'al having flanges at its opposite ends which are sevr*eu-red*to*thesupplemental frame plates 1,

a plurality of rods 28" extending through and havin screw-threaded connection with nuts fixed y carried by the beam 28 and socket plates 28 interposed between the upper free ends of the rods 28 and the base section 22". The rods 28h1 are squared at 'their lower ends to receive a tool, whereby they may be rotated to adjust them up and down and to thereby adjust the platform or base 22. The auxi iary supporting means 23 also permit the base 22 to be dropped to free a mold 14 in the event the latter becomes wedged below the die 13 due to a rock or other obstruction heilig forced into the mold. The hase section 22" preferably comprises a heavy casting to withstand relative high pressure as required in apparatus of this character. The upper surface of the section may be made detachable so as to be replaced by a new plate, it being important to maintain all points of this surface parallel with the lower surface of the die 13 that the molds will exactly fill the space between these parts.

The reciprocating feeder or mold pushout 23 serves to successivel)r move the molds 14 from the mold receiving station 21 to the filling position immediately below. the die 13. The feeder 23 may consist of a horizontally arranged plate extending across the space between the opposite inner walls of the frame members 1c and 1". It is preferably provided with a plurality of strengthening ribs between which openings may be formed to make the feeder relatively light. The push-out 23 is provided along its opposite side edges with integral upper and lower guide walls 23il between which are received inwardly extending guide ribs 23. 'I' he guide ribs 23 are preferably secured to the frame plates 1C by a plurality of bolts 23". The ribs 23a serve to support the push-out 23 and to guide it longitudinally in a horizontal plane substantially coincident with the plane of the molds, whereby it will engage therewith and move them forwardly and relative to the die 13. For the purpose of coiiperation, the receiver 21 is arranged to receive and support a mold 14 as the push-out 23 is moving rearwardly but after it has passed the receiver 2l` so that when the said push-out moves forward, it will engage with and move the mold 14 forwardly the desired distance, preferably to a position in registry with the die 13. In this connection it will be understood that when the push-out 23 engages with and moves a succeeding mold.` the latter in turn pushes forward the mold or molds in front of it and thereby imparts step-by-step movement to all of the molds on the base or platform 22 to deliver them first to a position where they may be operated upon by the bumping mechanism 24 and then to the inverting mechanism 25, as will be later set forth.

23 indicates a pair of spaced lugs preferably formed integral with and depending from the rear end of the push-out 23. 29 indicates a pitman or connecting rod. The front end of the pitman 29 is disposed between the lugs 23 and is formed with an opening,r 29 to receive a pin 23. The pin 23" is supported at its opposite ends in alined openings formed in the lugs 23', whereby the pitman 29 is pivotally connected to the feeder or push-out 23. The rear end of the connecting rod 2S) is pivotally connected to the free end of a crank 3U which in turn is fixed to and revolved by a transverse shaft 3l. The connecting rod 29 is preferably formed of a plurality of members 29 which have right and left hand screw-threaded connection with each other to permit the rod to be lengthened or shortened to vary the stroke of the feeder 23 and thus regulate the positioning of the molds 14 below the die 13.

It will be understood from the construction just described that the shaft 31, the crank 30 and connecting rod 29, operate to reciprocate the feeder or push-out 23 forwardly and rearwardly. The shaft 31 is preferably arranged parallel to the shaft 2", it heilig mounted in suitable bearings 31 in standards 31b on the base blocks 3. \t one end of the shaft 31 is secured a gear 31 which meshes with the pinion 2. The pinion 2" and gear 31u are proportioned to insure proper speed of the shaft 31 and movement of the feeder 23. in cooperation with the movement of the press-platen l5 and other parts of the apparatus.

32 indicates as an entirety automatic release devices or safety connections interposed between and connecting the shaft 31 and gea." 31" together. The purpose of the devices 32 is to permit movement of the gear 31C relative to the shaft 31 to prevent breakage of part or parts of the apparatus in the event the pusher 23 is stopped by an obstruction to it or the molds 14 in their forward movement. Of these devices, 32 indicates a casing fixed to one side of the gear 31", concentrically of its axis. .\t one side the casing is provided with a tubular extension 32" to orm a cylinder 32" in which is slidably mounted a plunger 33. 34 indicates a spring interposed between the plunger 33 and an adjustable cap 34a for the outer end of the cylinder 32". The spring 34 normally tends to'push the )lunger 33 in a direction toward the sha t 31. 35 indicates a cylindrical block or collar which is keyed in a well known manner to the shaft 31. At one side the block 35 is provided with a socket 3:3al which receives the inner end of the plunger 33. The opposite side walls of the socket 35 are `inclined and the inner end of the plunger 33 is provided with inclined side walls to exactly fit the inclined walls of the socket 35a. As long as the inner end of the plunger 33 is maintained in the socket 35. the gear 31C and shaft 31 will be connected together, whereby the former will transmit power to `F rom the foregoing description it will be seen that the devices 32 serve to connect the gear 31c and shaft 31 together, but in the event the push-out 23 is prevented from reciprocating, due to breakage or clogging of the molds 14, they permit the release or detachment of these parts, so that the shaft 2g can continue to rotate. The cap 34 is preferably screw-threaded in the outer end of the cylinder 32C. This construction permits it to be adjusted to increase or decrease the tension of the spring 34 and thereby regulate the conditions under which the plunger 33 will automatically detach itself from the block 35.

The purpose of this construction is to relieve strains upon and prevent breakage in certain of the driving parts of the apparatus. While I have chosen to locate the devices 32 between the gear 31c and shaft 31, they, or equivalent devices, could be located between other parts of the power transmitting mechanisms.

VThe bumping devices 24 are arranged between the die 13 and the inverting and separating mechanism 25 and operate to free or loosen the bricks from the mold Walls ready for the dumping or separating operation. The bumping devices 24 preferably operate to bump each mold while it is on the section 22d of the support or base 22. Of these devices, 24a indicates one or more transverse rods extending through a slide openin or openings 24b formed in the base or platfrm section 22d. 24e indicates a pair of bumpers fixed in any well known manner to the opposite ends of the rod or rods 24 and arranged in a plane slightly above the platform section 22d so as to engage each mold 14 as it moves intermittently thereover. Each bumper 24; preferably comprises a base 24", a mold engaging member 24E and an adjustable intermediate member 24t to which the engaging member 24" is secured. The intermediate member 24' is preferably detachably as Well as adjustably connected to the base 24". For this purpose, the intermediate member 24* is provided with an elongated slot 24g adapted to receive a bolt 24h having a clamping nut, which when tightened serves to connect the intermediate member 24t and base 24i together. The engaging surfaces between the intermediate member 24t and base 24d are preferably provided with parallel interlocking ribs and grooves (see Fig. 7) which prevents relative movement between these parts when clamped together, but permit ready adjustment both longitudinally and transversely of the rods 24, whereby the roper spacing of thc bumpers 24c relative to each other and lonitudinally of the platform section 22d may e effected. The bumpers 24c are reciprocated transversely of the platform section 22d by devices indicated as an entirety at 36. hese reciprocating devices 36 preferably comprise a shaft 36* which may cxtend longitudinally` of the apparatus. Tln` shaft 36*l may be'mounted in a plurality of spaced bearings 36h; the bearings 36b may be supported by brackets 36 secured to the adjacent side of the frame members 1, 11 and sill 1, At its rear end, the shaft 3G is provided with a bevel gear 36d which meshes with the bevel gear 2. At its front end, the shaft 36B is provided with a crank arm 37 carrying at its free end a 'stud-shaft 37 on which may be pivotally mounted a polygonal block 37". 37b indicates a frame or box which is fixed to or formed inte Yral with the adjacent bum er base 24d (see Fig. 33). 0n its rear si e, the frame 37" is formed with a vertically extending, elonated groove or guide-way 37c having paralel side walls with which the block 37El has slidable engagement. When the shaft 36a is rotated to revolve the crank 37, the block 37 slides up and down in the roove 37c as the crank moves from its hig est position to its lowest position and back again, but due to the enga ement of the block 37 a with the side walls o the groove 37c durin movement of the crank, the frame 37 an bump- 100 ing mechanism are reciprocated horizontally, being .guided by the rods 24a in the openings 24". The speed of the shaft 36a is such as to impart a quick reciprocating movement to the bumpers 24c in order to 105 bump each mold back and forth between them with considerable force. The effect of this operation is to jar or knock each mold 14 with force suflicient to cause the loosening or freeing of the bricks from the walls there- 110 of, so that when the molds are inverted by the inverting mechanism 25, the bricks will readily separate therefrom without any of their parts sticking to the mold walls, especially in the event the, molds 14 have 115 been previously sanded, as will be later set forth.

Each mold engaging member 24 is preferably pivoted loosely at 24 to the adjacent member 24, to swing upwardly', as shown 120 in dotted lines in Fig. 4, and its rear wall is inclined or beveled (see dotted lines, Fig.

In the event either of the bumping members 24e happens to be in the path of movement of a mold when the latter is being 125 moved forwardly to the bumping position. the mold will engage the inclined wall of the member 24 and swing it upwardly without affecting its transverse movement; but as soon as the bumping member has cleared the 130 mold. it will drop into operative position and engage the at jacent end thereof. p

'lhe `shaft 36'* is preferablv provided with two cranks 3T which extend in opposite ldirectious relative to the axis of/"the shaft. These cranks are formed with a T-groove 37"' to receive the head of the bolt or studshaft 37. and permit its movement 4longitudinally of the groove 3T" to adjust the length of `stroke imparted to the bumpers 24"; or by moving the bolt 37 to the opposite Side of the shaft 36, to change the direction of such stroke. The bolt 37' may be fixed in its adjusted position by a suitable nut.

Through the adjustment of the bumpers 24" on the supporting member 24d and of the bolt or shaft 3T along the cranks 37, either or both. I am enabled to so position the bumpers 24 in correlation with a mold moving forwardly relative to the base section 22". that they will not strike the lnold as the latter is positioned between them. These adjustments also permit lne to so position and operate the bumping members 24" that either relatively hard or light blows may be imparted to the molds 1-1 as conditions may require.

3S indicates a pair of guide devices carried by and arranged at opposite sides of the base 22 between the bumping mechanism 24 and the inverting mechanism 25. The devices 3S converge toward each other and are arranged to be engaged by any mold or molds 14 which get displaced on the base 22. and move it or them inwardly or toward the longitudinal axis of the base 22 for proper delivery thereof to the inverting mechanism 25.

Referring to the invertingr and separating mechanism 25, 25". 25". indicate a pair of swingable members which cooperate to invert each mold 14. The members 25", 25"', are arranged to swing from an open position (see Figs. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5 and 16) to a closed position (see Fig. 18), or toward each other and back again. to invert the mold 14 and dump the bricks therefrom. Then in the open position. the member 25 is adapted to receive the forwardmost mold 14 on the platform 22. as shown in Figs. 4 and 16. Each of Athe members 25, 25". preferably comprises a pair of spaced arms 25", 25". fixed to a transverse rock shaft 25". The shafts 25" are loosely mounted in spaced bearings or knuckles preferably formed integrally with the shoes or extensions thereof constituting part of the base section 22. 'hen the swingable member 25a is in its mold receiving position. the arms 25" thereof are preferably arranged in a downwardly inclined direction with their free ends disposed below the upper surface of the section 22. as shown in Figs. 1. 4 and 16. The arms 25" are preferably provided with inte ral abutments or bottom walls 251 with w ich the side members 14 of the molds engage while being turned over to dump the bricks. 39 indicates segmental gears fixed to corresponding ends of the shafts 25" and meshing with each other to rock the shafts 25" simultaneously, whereby the members 25, 25', will be closed and opened, or moved toward and from each other in correlation to effect the inverting.;r operation.

40 indicates as an entirety means for operating the members 25, 25". Of these means, 42 indicates a crank pin fixed to a pinion 40 preferably mounted on one end of a shaft 40, The shaft 40" 'is mounted in bearings provided in the supplemental frame plates l, The opposite end of the shaft carries a sprocket wheel 40", around which and a sprocket 41, fixed to the adjacent end of the shaft 31, extends a chain 40d to drive the shaft 40. 42 indicates a pitman preferably pivotally connected at one end at 42* to a member 42 which in turn is pivotally connected to the pin 42. The 0)- posite end of the pitman 42* is pivotally connected to a rocker 42", which in turn is pivotally mounted on a. stud-shaft or pin 42, carried by the adjacent sup lemental frame member 1". The pivot o the connection between the pitman 42* and rocker 42" preferably extends through a slot 42" formed in the rocker and is adjustably secured to the walls of the slot in any desired manner.

46 indicates connecting devices between the rocker 42" and a crank 46a fixed in any suitable manner to one of the shafts 25". The connecting devices 46 are preferably of a character and properly correlated to provide a period of rest between successive operations of the mold inverting members 25, 25"', so that the mold moving device 23 can move a mold 14 onto the receiving member 25* while it is at rest or prior to the operation thereof. The connections 46 preferably comprise a rod 46" pivotally connected at one end in any desired manner to the rocker 42". The rod 46" extends through a telescopic member 46c and carries at or near its inner end an adjustable collar 47 which ma be fixed to the rod 46si by a set screw 47 The telescopic member 46c may comprise a pair of blocks 47, 47", and a pair of strips 47c which connect the blocks together. The strips 47c may form guides for the collar 47. The block 47n is provided with an o ening through which the rod 46" slides. he inner end of the rod 46" serves as a thrust member to engage the block 47" and operate the crank 46 in the forward movement of the rod. The block 47" is pivotally connected to the crank 46l in any suitable manner. Preferably, the crank 46 is provided with an elongated slot (see Fig. 13), through which the pivot pin of the connection extends, to permit adjustment ot' the pin toward and from the axis about which the crank swings. 415 indicates a compression spring preferably coiled around ther'rotl 4Gb and interposed between the membei- 4T and the block 4T". 'lhis spring Ais arranged to be compressed in the rearward sti-ola` of the connections 4G. It permits relative movement between the rod 4G" and telescopic member 46 after the crank 4G has been moved to its rea rmost position. As the spring 46 acts upon the member 47, it maintains the telescopic member 46 and crank 46 in their rearmost position until the rod 46h in its forward movement engages the block 4T. This rest period for these parts is of sutlicient length to permit the mold push-out 23 to deliver the forward-most mold 14 onto the swingable member 25". The operation of the swingable members 25, 25M, may be described as follows: In Figs. 4 and 1G they are shown in position ready to receive a mold 14. Upon the delivery of a mold to the member 25 (see Fig. 16),both members 25, 25a', are rocked upwardly toward each other (see Fig. 18) and then downwardly or away from each other (see Fig. 19). In the movement upwardly sufficient momentum is imparted to the mold 14 on the member 25, so that at the end of the upward movement of the members 25a. 25", the mold is caused to swing over the mid-position between the members on to the member 25 (see Fig. 18). by which the mold is carried as the members 25". 25a', return to or toward the normal or open position (see Fig. 20); by this arrangement and operation, the mold is turned over or inverted, so that the bricks therein can fall out by gravity. Durin the period of rest in the open position ot the inverting members 25, 25. an operative, who stands at one side of the machine. places on the swingable member 25" a a1- let 14 (see dotted lines in Fig. 16). he pallet 14 moves upwardly with the member 25" so that it will be in position to receive the bricks from the mold 14 when the latter is turned over as it swings from the member 25a on to the member 25". The walls 25d are preferably shaped and correlated with each other to effect the movement of each mold from the member 25a.

25a. even though the speed of the machine l that'thewallsgd of the member 25a are arranged at an obtiise'mgletoat@ adjacent whereas the walls 25d of themember 25" are arranged at an acute angle to the adjacent members :55 and are slightly longer than one-half the height of a mold; accordingly. the free ends of the walls 25 for the members 25 extend beyond a point midway between the axes of the shafts 25" and their free ends terminate in a plane above the free ends of the walls 25 for the member 25% This form of construction therefore provides for the support of the mold when in mid-position and while it swings or rocks from the member 25, to the member 25. As this point of support is rearward of the center of gravity of the mold, the latter will tend to swing or rock forwardly; hence, whether the machine is running at the desired speed or not, or has stopped with a mold in the mid-position, the latter will nevertheless swing or rock over onto the member 25.

48 indicates as an entirety mechanism for separating each mold and the bricks therein from each other as the molds are inverted. These devices are arranged to cooperate with the swingable devices 25, 25N.y and they preferably operate at or during the -time each mold is inverted and the bricks are dumped, so that the inverting of the brick molds and the separation of the molds from the bricks takes place substantially simultaneously. Of this mechanism. 48, 48, indicate sets of devices arranged to engage and cause separation of each mold 14 from the bricks as the mold is inverted and the bricks are dumped. The sets of devices 48'i are separated from each other a sutlicient distance to engage the mold end members 14b bevond the opposite ends of the pallet-s 14. Each set of devices 48 comprises an arm or bracket 48h fixed to the shaft 25 for the swingable member 25a so as to move upwardly and downwardly therewith, a mold separating member 48C movably mounted on the arm 48", and an arrester 49 which is pivotally mounted at 49 in bearings on an auxiliary frame 5() secured to and depending from the base section 22". At its outer end. the arm 48h is provided with a tubular member or socket 48d. in which is slidably supported a rod or leg 48e depending from the adjacent mold separating member 48. The axis of the socket 48d preferably extends in a direction substantially at right angles to the arm 48b and swingable member 25. The rod 48 being rigidly connected in any well-known manner with and disposed at right angles to the adjacent mold separating member 48. serves to support the latter, and by means of its sliding engagement with the socket 48", permits the member 48C to move relamembers 25 and are of a length`slihtlyrrti=ve tosthelarm 48h while being maintained less than one-half the height of a mold:

parallel with the swingable member25a, as

will be later described. 48' indicates a pin extendin f laterally from the outer side of each mo d separating member 48".

The pins 48' are arranged to engage the bifurcated free ends of the arresters 49 in the return movement of the adjacent rock shaft 25", whereby the members 48c will be stopped or arrested (see Fig. 19) and suported in an elevated position, as shown iu `i .20.

hen the mold inverting members 25, 25', are in the open position, the mold separating members 48c are supported by the arresters 49 through the pins 48'. As these members at all times tend to gravitate, they are supported by the arresters 48 until the arms 48b pick them up in their upward movement, as shown in `ig. 17, after which the members 48 move with the arms 481. Due to the fact that the sockets 48 and rods 48e swing through an arc about the axis of the adjacent shaft 25, the pivots 49a for the arresters permit the mold separatin members to accommodate themselves to t ie path of travel of these parts, prior to the picking up of the separating members 48c in the upward movement of the arms 48". During this movement of the arms 48, the arresters 19 swin l forwardly from the position shown in ig. 16 to the position shown in Fig. 17. The arrestei's 49 will be maintained in this latter position by one or more arms 49", which are fixed to or carried 'by the arresters, engaging a stop oi' stops 49 carried by an adjacent part of the auxiliary frame 50. The arms 48b are preferably constructed and arranged to support the separating members 48, after they have picked up the latter, in the plane of the arms 25b so that each mold 14 and the bricks therein will engage and move with the swingable member 25" as a unit. The pivots 49 for the arresters 49 preferably comprise a singie transverse shaft to provide for simultaiieous movement of both arresters. Each mold separating member 48c is preferably provided at its rear end with a flange or lip 48g which engages the rear wall of each mold 14 and prevents it from sliding rearwardly as the swingable member 25a returns to open position.

The operation of the mold separating mechanism 48 may be described as follows: Fig. 16 shows the parts in the position they occupy when the swingable members 25, E". are in the open position. After the push-out 23 luis caused the delivery of the forward-most mold 14 from the base section 22e on to the swingable member 25, the operating connections 46 swing the members 25a. 25W. upwardly simultaneously to the position shown in Fig. 18 and back again to the position 'shown in Fig. 20. thus causing the mq'tdlt to swing from the member 25 to the member 25 as their direction of motion changes, as has already been described. In the upward movement of the member 25, the arms 48b pick up and carry with them the separating members 48 (see Fig. 17), so that the latter will be in position to en age the end blocks 14" of the mold. In t ie return movement of the member 25"', the mold separating members 48 move therewith until the pins 48f are stopped by their engagement with the bifurcated ends of the arresters 49 (see Fig. 19), but as the pallet 14 is supported solely by the arms 25", it and the bricks thereon will continue to move or gravitate with the arms throughout the remaining part of their movement to a substantially horizontal position below that in which the mold 14 has been arrested (see Fig. 20). As a result of thisl operation, the bricks are entirely separated from the mold, thus permitting the dumped bricks and the mold to be handled or conveyed away independently of each other.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that while separation of each mold and bricks is taking place, the supporting parts for the mold and pallet are maintained in planes parallel to each other and the direction of relative movement between them is at right angles or perpendicular to these planes. Vith the correlated parts functionnig in this manner, the bricks are readilv dumped or freed from the mold walls. t 4'-will also be seen I provide an improved mechanism which substantially simultaneously inverts a filled brick mold and separates the mold from the brick. lVhile I have herein disclosed one form of construction capable of operating to produce these results, my invention is not limited to such disclosure as the same may be changed and modified and other equivalent elements substituted.

51, 52 indicate receiving devices for the bricks and empty molds. respectively. The inner or receiving ends of the devices 51. 52, are supported by the auxiliary frame 5() in juxtaposition to the outer ends of the members 251, 48, respectively. when thc former is in the open position. The receiving dcvices 51, 52. preferably comprise gravity conveyers. he conveyer 51 may extend rearwardly to the base extensions of the scction 22e, alongside of the arms 25h of the swingable member 25". and in a plane slightly above that occupied by the arms 25" when they are moved to their open position, whereby the conveyer will intercept the pallet 14' in the downward movement of the latter, as shown in Fig. 20. The conveyer 51 preferably curves laterally. as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, and leads to a suitable drying room or other place of delivery. The conveyer 51 may consist of s aced bars 512 carrying loosely mounted ro lers 51". The 

